For second time this month, Downey officers fatally shoot suspect

DOWNEY- A Downey Police officer shot and killed an apparently unarmed man on Saturday, according to a sheriff’s report.

The sheriff’s homicide bureau is investigating the shooting.

The South Gate man, Michael Lee Nida, 31, killed by the officer was a suspect in an armed robbery call at an ATM machine near Paramount Boulevard and Imperial Highway, according to a sheriff’s Lt. Dave Dolson. The man was detained twice, but he escaped both times. Sometime during the second chase, the man turned suddenly toward pursuing officers, according to what officers told investigators. At that time, one of the Downey officers shot the man. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Dolson said officers believed the man was armed and was a danger to them and the public, but upon investigation detectives concluded Michael Nida most likely was not involved in the armed robbery.

“We’re almost certain he wasn’t involved,” Dolson said.

Dolson said Nida’s family members told detectives that Nida has a history of running from police.

No weapon was found, according to a sheriff’s report.

Family members told ABC7 News that Nida, a father of four, was crossing the street to buy cigarettes when he was confronted by police.

It’s the second time Downey officers fatally shot someone this month. A homeless man was killed by police Oct. 12 after police said he ran at them with a stick and pocket knife.

Last year, Downey Police officers killed Stephen Bours after Bours walked toward them with a hatchet.

The March 20, 2010 shooting of Bours was justified, according to a report from the District Attorney’s office.